Memorial Website - Jerry Wilson

Jerry Wilson, 73, of Peoria, passed away at 9:16 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by his family. Today we rejoice, knowing that he is with the Savior he faithfully served.

Jerry was born in Franklin County on June 25, 1936, a son of Ralph and Alla (Todd) Wilson. They preceded him in death, along with three brothers, Lee Todd, James Charles and Duck Wilson. He married Claudia J. Eubanks on July 16, 1955 in Benton. She survives.

Jerry was a writer, editor and information integrator with the information division of Caterpillar, Inc., retiring in 1998, after forty-three years of service. He was a member of Eastside Bible Church in Morton.

As a young man, he came to Peoria to work for Caterpillar, Inc. It wasn’t long before he was joined by his beautiful bride and love of his life, Claudia. Married for almost fifty-five years, together they built a life filled with family, friends and faith. They have been blessed with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – all who have been an integral part of their lives, each one special and loved dearly.

Jerry and Claudia lived life to the fullest, enjoying each day and giving thanks that they had those days together. They enjoyed traveling – especially to southern gospel “singings.” Jerry was willing to travel anywhere to enjoy a concert of his favorite music. Through the years, Jerry and Claudia forged many lasting friendships with fellow fans and with members of the professional gospel groups. Jerry would often assist them with booking concert dates in the Peoria area. Both he and Claudia enjoyed helping the groups set up for their concerts near and far.

In addition to his enjoyment of southern gospel music, Jerry was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan and a sports enthusiast.

Always ready with a story, he was the resident joke teller and could fire a pun so fast that no one would see it coming. He delighted in the groaners and the memory of his laughter will carry his loved ones through these difficult days.

Whether he was called Jerry, Honey, Pop, Dad, Pa, Gramps, Puncle or even George, friends and family all knew they could count on him to help them out. His mechanical expertise and talent with woodworking and gardening will long be remembered. They have only to walk through their homes and see everything he helped them with, a tangible representation of his love and devotion.

We honor the memory of this dear man who so lovingly gave his life to the Lord and walked daily with Him. Beginning each day with his Bible in hand, he spent time in the Word. Never one to push, he was willing to quietly talk with anyone who wanted to hear the Good News – and those numbers were legion. In his early years he was ordained to the ministry and officiated at several weddings and funerals for family and friends. Throughout his life, he was asked to preach at various church services. His messages echo with us still.

Funeral services to celebrate Jerry’s life will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Eastside Bible Church in Morton, with Pastor Steve Weber officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Eastside Bible Church. Interment will be in Mt. Hawley Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Eastside Bible Church in Morton.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria.

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Latest Memories

Bud Stobaugh

Claudia and Family:

I just want to add my condolences to you. Jerry and I had worked together for many years and had become quiote good friends. Jerry was a very unique person in that you could always believe what he said. There was never any question as to his sincerity on any given subject. He was as true a friend as anyone could ever ask for. If you had a problem, he was there to help. In other words he was a true Christian.

Becky Wilson Miller

My fondest memories of my Uncle Jerry are from just a few years ago when he and Aunt Claudia were in our home in Texas to celebrate my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. He really hit it off with my daughter, Katelyn, who was only 9 years old at the time. Uncle Jerry and my dad, Bob, look a lot alike. So, I think Katelyn saw her Papaw in Uncle Jerry. She climbed up in his lap and just visited with him, laughed at his jokes and made her Papaw Bob a little jealous!! Uncle Jerry loved it! I think he especially liked the fact that it made my dad jealous.

Family was #1 for Uncle Jerry. Even though we have been separated by hundreds of miles for close to 40 years, the miles have never kept him and my Aunt Claudia from being with our family through good times and bad. Rather it be the 50th Anniversary Celebration, a major surgery or the untimely passing of my sister, Bobbette, they were there. Through joy, laughter and tears, we shared life together.

With much love and fond memories, Becky

Latest Condolences

Hendrick Polanco

My deepest condolences

March 29, 2010

My deepest condolences.

Sylvia & Sherry Meinders

Wilson Family

March 28, 2010

Claudia & Family,

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry. We will always remember him with a kind word & a big smile & oh so many jokes to tell. You will be in our thoughts & prayers

Steve Snyder Family

Jerry

March 27, 2010

To Claudia, Terry and Family , Debbie and Family,

We were saddened to hear of Pa's passing. What a great person. Always smiling and making other laugh and smile. I never knew him as Jerry or Mr. Wilson but simply as "Pa". What lucky kids, grandkids and great-grandkids to have someone like that in their lives. We continue to keep you all in our prayers and thoughts.

Jo Ann Ing

So sorry.

March 27, 2010

Claudia,

I am sending you my condolences. There are no words that can be said to ease the loneiness and empty feeling that comes when losing the love of your life and your companion for so many years. I don't know if you knew, but I lost Amos January 26th of this year. Getting through the funeral is the easy part. Its the days after that you will remember and cherish all the precioius memories you and Jerry made together and wish you could do all those things together all over again. If one day you need my shoulder to cry on, call me and we will cry together. I have done a lot of that lately. My prayers and love go out to you.

Jo Ann Ing

Don and Patsy Farden

Friend in Christ

March 26, 2010

Dearest Claudia, Our hearts go out to you in your loss. Jerry truly will be missed.

We feel very honored to have known him and fellowshiped with him. You were both so special to us in the short time we knew you.

We truly know Jerry is in a much better place. May you feel God's closeness now more than ever. We love you Claudia. Love in Christ.